Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton is “getting along” with Mercedes’ new concept better than team-mate George Russell, with the seven-time World Champion having finally returned to being “extremely happy”.
Since Mercedes introduced the new concept at last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton is yet to be defeated by Russell, something which rarely happened last season.
Russell became just the third team-mate of Hamilton’s to finish ahead of him in the Drivers’ Championship last season; however, it appears that the tables have turned.
Hamilton has seemed much more comfortable with the car since Monaco, with him loving driving once again.
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“I’ve loved every second on the track, more than probably ever,” Hamilton said in Monaco.
“I think the last time I loved it this much was like 2007, 2008, and my Formula 3 days here, so I’ve genuinely really enjoyed it.”
A comfortable Hamilton is seemingly a fast Hamilton, something Russell has discovered.
In 2022, Russell was incredibly consistent when it came to qualifying, something he also demonstrated at Williams.
Interestingly, he was eliminated in Q2 last weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, whilst Hamilton qualified fourth.
This was usually the other way around last season, further suggesting that the new concept is perhaps more to Hamilton’s liking than the 25-year-old’s.
Schumacher believes the 103-time race winner is actually “relieved” to have a car that he feels good in again, following his recent struggles with the W13 and the original W14.
Hamilton was actually the second quickest driver during the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, resulting in a lonely afternoon.
Whether he can maintain his current run of form with the new car remains to be seen; however, Schumacher believes the Briton has the belief again that he can return to winning ways.
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“Lewis Hamilton seems to be getting along with the new concept a little better than George Russell and also seemed extremely happy,” Schumacher said.
“He seems very relieved and sees light on the horizon again that he can soon win another race and maybe still have the chance to win his eighth World title at some point.”
He added: “I felt the optimism had left him for a while. Now it’s back.”